Change in Attitude

Xue Yuan had already left the area when she noticed a commotion and rumors about someone causing trouble at the gallery, claiming that the mystical painting belonged to him. Panic surged within her, and she hastily returned to the gallery. There, she overheard the conversation between Qin Wentian and the Elder and witnessed the arrival of the Sky Transport Network representatives. Standing in the crowd, her face was deathly pale.

Every student from the Royal Academy in the Gallery Hall wore expressions of disbelief and shock as they looked toward the Sky Transport Network representative. The representative, too, wore a bitter smile, never anticipating that today's fiasco would unfold due to a series of unfortunate coincidences.

"Please tell me you're joking," the Academy's Elder implored, his expression crestfallen. "This Divine Inscription painting belongs to Xue Yuan, a student of our Royal Academy. I personally borrowed it from her."

"How could my Sky Transport Network make such a mistake? Delivering this painting was our responsibility, meant as a gift from Qin Wentian to Miss Mu Rou. However, Miss Mu Rou wasn't at home, so our employee asked Xue Yuan if she'd help deliver it instead. Xue Yuan agreed, which is why we entrusted her with the painting."

The representative sighed in frustration, causing the crowd's expressions to freeze. Did this mean that Qin Wentian's claims were true?

Was the painting genuinely intended as a gift for Mu Rou?

A flicker of excitement passed through Mu Rou's eyes. She couldn't believe that Qin Wentian had prepared such a valuable gift for her. In her heart, she was overjoyed, as her birthday had been a lonely affair.

"Is Xue Yuan here?" The Elder scanned the crowd, and Xue Yuan stepped forward with a lowered head, her face ghostly white. "Teacher, it's true. I accepted this painting on behalf of Mu Rou and planned to return it to her today."

Xue Yuan's public admission dispelled any remaining doubts among the onlookers.

This Divine Inscription painting indeed belonged to Qin Wentian.

A heavy silence descended upon the Gallery Hall.

Mu Rou cast a disappointed glance at Xue Yuan. Now she understood why Xue Yuan had changed her attitude. It was disgraceful that she had taken the painting meant for Mu Rou as her own.

The Elder from the Royal Academy broke the silence, suggesting, "If you claim to have inscribed the Divine Imprints in this painting, why don't you create another painting right now to prove the truth of your words?" He directed this challenge at Qin Wentian.

"The Sky Transport Network personally sent their representatives, and Xue Yuan has admitted it. Yet you still want to deny my ownership? This is the first time I've encountered someone like you," Qin Wentian retorted, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Why should I create another painting just to satisfy your curiosity? Are we very well-acquainted?"

Qin Wentian's words left the elder with no room to argue, no strength to resist. Those who had earlier mocked him were now silent, forced to swallow their words. The Royal Academy, which had previously humiliated Qin Wentian, was now facing the harsh reality.

"I'm respectfully asking the Elders of the Royal Academy. May I please take my painting back now?" Qin Wentian inquired calmly as he approached the painting.

Previously, they not only blocked his approach to the painting but also relegated him to the back of the crowd.

Now, it was abundantly clear that the painting belonged to Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian stood beside the Divine Inscription painting and rolled it up. A weaponsmith from the crowd approached him with a smile, asking, "Young man, did you truly create this painting?"

Qin Wentian grinned, realizing that he had underestimated the painting's worth. Since some people still doubted him, he didn't bother to explain further. "Oh, I'm not entirely sure."

"Grandmaster Qin, I'm Yan Ye. If the opportunity arises, perhaps we can become acquainted."

"Haha, Brother Qin, I'm a guest weaponsmith of the Divine Weapon Pavilion. Just call me Lu Feng. I've long admired your name and hope to get to know you better."

Several figures joined the scene and introduced themselves politely to Qin Wentian.

"Inexperienced as I am, I wouldn't dare call myself a grandmaster. Wentian is just fine."

"It's our fortune to have an exchange with a young talent like you."

Qin Wentian humbly accepted the weaponsmiths' introductions. These individuals had remarkable statuses, and making friends with them would only benefit him.

"I couldn't believe the rumors, but seeing is believing. A youth of just over a decade inscribing 3rd level Divine Inscriptions. I've grown old," an elderly figure lamented. "Talent is truly miraculous. No matter how hard I work, I doubt I could create something like that painting in my lifetime."

"Indeed, talent is awe-inspiring. Wentian, did you really create this painting?" another person asked. Qin Wentian was now surrounded by many inquisitive individuals, and he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed.

Watching this scene unfold, those from the Royal Academy wore ugly expressions. Was this still the Royal Academy? It seemed like it had become Qin Wentian's domain. What's more, esteemed experts were now seeking his guidance and building connections with him.

The Chu Country had a saying: "You can offend anyone, except for expert weaponsmiths." There was a rumor that in the Royal Capital of Chu, a sect leader had once humiliated an expert weaponsmith of low cultivation. A few days later, a group of Yuanfu experts besieged and wiped out the offending sect overnight.

"Due to a series of fortunate circumstances, I gained some insights and was able to create this painting," Qin Wentian modestly explained. The crowd's countenance remained unchanged, but their admiration for him grew even stronger. Now, no one dared to doubt his words.

In the history of the Chu Country, there was no record of anyone inscribing a Human-type Divine Imprint. Yet here was this young genius, creating this miraculous masterpiece.

"Would you be willing to sell this painting to me?" a voice suddenly interjected. All eyes turned toward the source, an unassuming old man. The crowd was taken aback by the unexpected interest in the painting.

"Yes. If you're interested, my Star River Association is prepared to offer you an unimaginable price," Murin chimed in, hoping to secure the painting. Qin Wentian glanced at him, fully aware of his ulterior motives.

Murin had never expected that Qin Wentian was the painter. Since his failed attempt to recruit Qin Wentian as a disciple, he had harbored resentment. However, Qin Wentian's rapid growth had exceeded his expectations, and he now saw him as a potential threat. The painting, which Vice President Zuo had instructed him to obtain at all costs, was now owned by Qin Wentian. Murin had no choice but to make his offer.

"You want it?" Qin Wentian questioned.

Murin nodded. "Yes, as long as you're willing. We'll pay any price."

Qin Wentian replied calmly, "The price is one of your arms. Do we have a deal?" This audacious response left Murin's face frozen in shock.

Qin Wentian didn't spare him another glance. He was determined to make Murin pay the full price for his past actions, and that day wasn't too far off. With his current status and accomplishments in the world of weaponsmiths, he believed he had far surpassed Murin.

Then, Qin Wentian turned his attention to the figure standing beside Murin. "I once approached the Star River Association with a sincere heart, wanting to join as a guest. However, my sincerity was betrayed by Murin. Of course, I believe that his actions don't represent the Star River Association."

Qin Wentian left it at that, but with that single sentence, he sent Murin's heart into turmoil. What a ruthless move by Qin Wentian! With just one sentence, he hinted at many possibilities, including the potential for a future relationship with the Star River Association once Murin was dealt with.

If the Star River Association wanted to recruit Qin Wentian, Murin shouldn't even dream of using the Association's power against him. In fact, Murin had more reason to worry that the Association might choose Qin Wentian over him.

Qin Wentian then turned his attention to the ordinary-looking old man and greeted him with a smile. "I apologize for the delay, senior. As for this Divine Inscription painting, I've already gifted it to my friend, Mu Rou."

"If I'm not mistaken, this Divine Inscription painting could only have been created through a rare moment of inspiration. It wouldn't be easy to replicate, and the first painting would undoubtedly hold the highest value. Are you sure you're willing to give it away?" The old man's countenance held a peculiar smile as he spoke to Qin Wentian.

"As it's a gift for a friend, how can we put a price on it? This gift represents my sincerity. If not for certain shameless individuals, it would already be in my friend's possession." Qin Wentian smiled and added, "But of course, if my friend chooses to sell it to you, senior, I won't object."

With a warm smile, Qin Wentian turned and presented the painting to Mu Rou. "Though there was a delay, now that I've personally delivered my gift into your hands, I hope it makes up for my earlier carelessness."

Mu Rou's head dipped slightly. When she raised her eyes, they glistened with tears. This painting had caused such a stir; its value was crystal clear. Considering the circumstances, Qin Wentian was someone she had only met a few times, yet he had chosen to give her such a precious gift for her birthday, especially when her own family was so distant.

How could she not be moved?

"Thank you," Mu Rou replied, her smile radiant. Her gratitude and warmth touched the hearts of those watching.

"Why are you thanking me? You were the one who was willing to befriend me back then, even when the whole world turned against me," Qin Wentian chuckled. He referred to the day at the banquet when everyone treated him with hostility. Under immense pressure, Mu Rou had bravely stood up and declared to the world that Qin Wentian was her friend.

On that day, Qin Wentian had vowed to himself that he would one day repay this debt of gratitude.